The Kurri Kurri Bulldogs survived a late charge by the Maitland Pickers to win 24-20 at Coronation Oval on Saturday.
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The Cessnock Goannas also had an important win, defeating Central Newcastle 38-10 at Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday.
The win takes the Goannas into fifth spot with South Newcastle, who had been equal on points with Cessnock, to play Lakes United on Saturday.
A win by Souths by less than 28 points would see the Goannas jump to fourth on the ladder, if Lakes win the Goannas retain fifth spot.
The Bulldogs scored the opening two tries at Coronation Oval, before the Pickers scored late in the first half, to take a 12-4 lead into the sheds.
Kurri Kurri started the scoring again and two tries within 20 minutes of resumption had them leading 24-4.
However, the Pickers struck back with two strong busting runs by Pat Robards getting the Pickers back to 16-4 with Blake Birch converting both.
A spectacular try to Maitland’s Jarrod Smith had the Pickers trailing 20-24 with seven minutes remaining, but a stout defensive effort by the Bulldogs, typified by a one-on-one strip by under-19 player Reid Alchin, enabled them to hold on and keep their remote finals hopes alive.
The Bulldogs were best served by Mitch Cullen, Brock Gilmour, Ben Wyborn, Kade Hardy, Reid Alchin, Brock Hollis and Mick Steele.
Jarrod Smith, Pat Robards, Tylar Carter and Jacob Sinclair had strong games for the Pickers.
- Full report and more photos to come.